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Protest Held in Patos Against Proposed Merger with Fier Municipality

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”be058c35-e82e-43c8-8d85-0d7c47dc523e” data-turn-id-container=”be058c35-e82e-43c8-8d85-0d7c47dc523e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Residents and local government representatives gathered outside Patos Municipality on Monday to protest a proposal to merge the Municipality of Patos with the Municipality of Fier. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ …

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Hashim Thaçi’s Request for Conditional Release Rejected

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been denied conditional release from pre-trial detention in The Hague. According to Klan Kosova, the request was rejected due to concerns over the risk of flight and the potential for interference with the judicial proceedings. Thaçi had offered a financial guarantee of €50,000 and …

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Albania Records One of Europe’s Lowest Obesity Rates

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> Obesity is becoming one of Europe’s biggest public health challenges, but Albania continues to rank among the countries with the lowest obesity rates on the continent. According to Eurostat data for 2022, 12.6% of Albanians aged 18 and over are classified …

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Durres Public Beach Offers Free Access but Lacks Basic Amenities

At the end of June, the Municipality of Durres introduced the city’s first public beach, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers available free of charge for visitors. The initiative has been welcomed by residents, particularly elderly beachgoers who have frequented this stretch of sand along the Taulantia promenade for years. …

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High Temperatures Drive Surge in Medical Emergencies, Brataj: More Than 500 Daily Visits

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”4ca8945c-e447-4e71-aff9-53c29cb8b97e” data-turn-id-container=”4ca8945c-e447-4e71-aff9-53c29cb8b97e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Rising temperatures have led to an increase in heat-related health emergencies across Albania. In an interview with Euronews Albania, National Emergency Service Director Skënder Brataj said that emergency teams assisted more than 6,700 people during July who sought help for heat-related …

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Hita Meets Guardia di Finanza Delegation, Air Operations Against Drug Cultivation in Focus

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”5a79515d-c08e-45c0-b7db-3afcb0f8a319″ data-turn-id-container=”5a79515d-c08e-45c0-b7db-3afcb0f8a319″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita welcomed a high-level delegation from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, led by the Commander of Air and Maritime Operations, Major General Joselito Minuto. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> During the meeting, …

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65th Protest Held in Tirana, Demonstrators March Toward Prime Minister’s Office

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”10e5ebe6-16b5-4cec-91e2-c7592938b98c” data-turn-id-container=”10e5ebe6-16b5-4cec-91e2-c7592938b98c” data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-turn=”user”> The 65th protest organized by activists and citizens took place in Tirana on Monday, as participants once again gathered to demonstrate against the government. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Protesters initially assembled at Skanderbeg Square before marching …

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Firefighters continue efforts to fully extinguish Vilz village blaze in Shkodër Municipality

TIRANA, August 3 – Emergency teams continue operations to extinguish a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Vilz village, in the Postriba administrative unit of Shkodër. The Shkodër Prefecture and the National Civil Protection Agency are coordinating the response. Local civil protection forces and the Shkodër Fire and Rescue …

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Italian media highlights Albanian Alps as a top budget summer escape

TIRANA, August 3 – Italian news outlet Fanpage.it has ranked the Albanian Alps among the best-value mountain destinations for summer 2026. The report recommends Theth and Valbona Valley as ideal retreats for travelers seeking cooler temperatures during Italy’s Ferragosto holiday. According to Fanpage.it, Italy has experienced repeated heatwaves this summer, …

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Gjirokastër celebrates August with “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” cultural evenings

TIRANA, August 3 – Gjirokastër has launched “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” (Iso on the Cobblestones), a month-long cultural event that fills the city’s historic bazaar with the sounds of Albanian iso-polyphony. Gjirokastër Mayor Flamur Golemi shared scenes from the lively streets, where performances will take place every evening from August 1 …

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Hotel Fire in Vlora Injures Six Tourists

A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …

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Rama Tells UnHerd: Protests Show a Normal European Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …

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Kosovan acting Defence Minister: Kosova ready to help Albania and Montenegro with wildfires

TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …

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Fire situation improves in Kruja

TIRANA, August 14 – The wildfire situation in Kruja has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. The remaining active fires in Abaze and Gryka e Vajës are burning at much lower intensity. Kruja Mayor Artur Bushi said teams have tackled the fires from the air and on the ground. …

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Summer season peaks as PM Rama highlights destinations across Albania

TIRANA, August 14 – Albania is experiencing high tourist flows this summer. Visitors have access to a wide calendar of cultural, artistic, sports and gastronomic activities. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album today featuring major tourist destinations across the country. Alongside coastal resorts, visitors are showing growing interest …

News
Albania Ruling Party Documents Highlight Country’s Ageing Demographic

Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here

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Albania introduces digital e-Visa system for foreign nationals

TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …

News
Average interest rate on new ALL loans falls to 6.3%

TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …

News
Grant-funded startups report growth in jobs, revenue and clients

TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …

News
Euro and British pound continue to weaken against ALL

TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …

News

Hotel Fire in Vlora Injures Six Tourists

A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …

News

Rama Tells UnHerd: Protests Show a Normal European Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …

News

Kosovan acting Defence Minister: Kosova ready to help Albania and Montenegro with wildfires

TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …

News

Fire situation improves in Kruja

TIRANA, August 14 – The wildfire situation in Kruja has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. The remaining active fires in Abaze and Gryka e Vajës are burning at much lower intensity. Kruja Mayor Artur Bushi said teams have tackled the fires from the air and on the ground. …

News

Summer season peaks as PM Rama highlights destinations across Albania

TIRANA, August 14 – Albania is experiencing high tourist flows this summer. Visitors have access to a wide calendar of cultural, artistic, sports and gastronomic activities. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album today featuring major tourist destinations across the country. Alongside coastal resorts, visitors are showing growing interest …

News

Albania Ruling Party Documents Highlight Country’s Ageing Demographic

Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here

News

Albania introduces digital e-Visa system for foreign nationals

TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …

News

Average interest rate on new ALL loans falls to 6.3%

TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …

News

Grant-funded startups report growth in jobs, revenue and clients

TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …

News

Euro and British pound continue to weaken against ALL

TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …